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Audition Pack: Production Team
Audition Pack: Production Team
Audition Pack: Production Team
AUDITION PACK
ORIENTATION EVENING ORCHESTRAL CALL &
Wednesday 18th May 2016 DRESS REHEARSALS
Thursday 29th September 2016
AUDITIONS to Wednesday 5th October 2016
Saturday 28th May 2016
PERFORMANCES
CALL BACKS Friday 7th October
Monday 30th May 2016 to Saturday 15th October 2016
REHEARSALS COMMENCE Rockdale Town Hall, Rockdale
Monday 6th June 2016
Coronation Hall, Arncliffe
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director James Russell
Director‐ Technical Chris Scarpellino
Musical Director Belinda Robinson
Choreographer Ralphy Walter
Production Assistant Paul Morrison
Circus Trainer Sarah Beitelis
Barnum: The Circus Musical Audition Pack 2016 (Version 10‐05‐2016) 1
Presented by The Regals Musical Society Inc. www.theregals.com.au
Barnum: The Circus Musical Audition Pack
Thank you for your interest in auditioning for Barnum: The Circus Musical, which is to be
presented by The Regals Musical Society in October 2016. The following information will explain a
little more about the show, our audition process, and our rehearsal and show requirements.
Please read all the instructions in the following pages before booking an audition appointment
to ensure you can meet The Regals' audition, rehearsal and show requirements.
Further information can be found on our website http://www.theregals.com.au/
and Facebook page ‘The Regals Musical Society’ https://www.facebook.com/TheRegalsMusicalSociety
SHOW SYNOPSIS
Barnum: The Circus Musical tells the story of the Prince of Humbug, Phineas Taylor Barnum.
Despite the objections of his wife, Charity (“Chairy”), Barnum attempts to create a show in which
the main attractions are freaks of society. Included in this mix of characters are: the oldest women
alive, Joice Heth; the smallest man in the world, Tom Thumb; and to top it all off, a glamorous
Swedish opera singer, Jenny Lind. Eventually, to appease Charity, Barnum agrees to give up the
show and start a normal life. In the end, after Charity dies, Barnum returns to the circus business
in grand fashion by forming a partnership with James A. Bailey. Thus, the two men form The
Greatest Show on Earth.
Licenced by Origin Theatricals: http://www.origintheatrical.com.au/work/8912
Read more: http://stageagent.com/shows/musical/1466/barnum
http://www.tamswitmark.com/shows/barnum
KEY DATES & VENUES
Please note and make yourself available for all of the following dates and times.
Orientation Evening
Wednesday 18th May 2016
7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Coronation Hall, 23 Barden St, Arncliffe NSW
https://www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au/Community_Services/Pages/Facilities_Halls_Hire.aspx
https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Coronation+Hall+Arncliffe/
Audition Bookings Close
5.00 pm, Friday 27th May 2016
AUDITIONS ARE STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY ‐ see below (page 6) for booking instructions.
Auditions
Saturday 28th May 2016
10.00 am to 7:00 pm
Coronation Hall, Arncliffe
Barnum: The Circus Musical Audition Pack 2016 (Version 10‐05‐2016) 2
Presented by The Regals Musical Society Inc. www.theregals.com.au
Call Backs
Monday 30th May 2016
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Coronation Hall, Arncliffe (see address details above)
Cast Result Notifications and Announcements
By Thursday 2nd June 2016 (within the week following auditions)
Rehearsals
Mondays & Wednesdays 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm, commencing Monday 6th June 2016
until the end of September (including Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday on 13th June)
Additional Sunday rehearsals on 26th June (12pm to 5pm), and 28th August (10am to 5pm) and
all Sundays in September (10am to 5pm).
A preliminary rehearsal schedule will be provided in the first weeks of rehearsals, and if
necessary the schedule will be updated throughout the rehearsal period.
Coronation Hall, Arncliffe
Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser
Saturday 20th August
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
All cast will be rostered on to attend for at least one hour during this time frame.
There may be another Saturday or Sunday BBQ booked later in the rehearsal period.
Bunnings Warehouse, Rockdale
383 West Botany Street, Rockdale NSW 2216
http://www.bunnings.com.au/stores/nsw/rockdale
https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Bunnings+Rockdale/
Orchestral Call / Sitzprobe
Thursday 29th September 2016
7:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Lead cast members will be required to attend the Orchestral Call.
Other cast members can attend if they wish, but this is not mandatory.
Rockdale Town Hall
448 Princes Hwy (cnr Bryant St), Rockdale
https://www.rockdale.nsw.gov.au/Community_Services/Pages/Facilities_Halls_Hire.aspx
https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Rockdale+Town+Hall/
Bump In
Saturday 1st October 2016
9:00 am to afternoon
From local storage facility (Carlton) to Rockdale Town Hall
Dress Rehearsals & Show Runs
Sunday 2nd October 2016
10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Monday 3rd, Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th October 2016
7:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Rockdale Town Hall (see address details above)
Barnum: The Circus Musical Audition Pack 2016 (Version 10‐05‐2016) 3
Presented by The Regals Musical Society Inc. www.theregals.com.au
Show Dates
Opening night Friday 7th October 2016, until Saturday 15th October 2016
Eight shows that include matinee (2pm) and / or evening (8pm) shows on the Saturdays and
Sunday during this period, and the possibility of one Wednesday evening show.
You will need to be at the venue at least 1 ½ hours before the following shows;
Friday 7th October @ 8:00 pm
Saturday 8th October @ 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm
Sunday 9th October @ 2:00 pm
Wednesday 12th October @8:00 pm (TBC)
Friday 14th October @ 8:00 pm
Saturday 15th October @ 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm
Rockdale Town Hall
(see address details above)
Parties
Opening Night Party: Friday 7th October 2016
Closing Night After‐Party: Saturday 15th October 2016
Venues and times to be determined.
Bump Out
Commences Saturday night, 15th October, after the final show,
and to be completed on Sunday 16th October 2016
9:00 am to afternoon
From Rockdale Town Hall to local storage facility (Carlton).
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Overview
Barnum: The Musical is a show that incorporates singing, acting, dancing and circus skills. We will
be looking for cast with great vocal abilities and good character acting to help portray the many
characters of the show, and who can dance well or can be choreographed to dance in the fantastic
musical numbers this show offers. If you have abilities in circus skills or magic tricks, these will be
an advantage. Therefore all the auditions will have singing, acting, dancing and circus skills
elements, which are described in more detail below.
The auditions will be closed (i.e. other applicants will not view your audition). You will be assessed
by a panel consisting of the Production Team, some members of The Regals Committee and an
independent assessor.
Singing
‐ Please prepare a song from a musical of your choice that best demonstrates your vocal
abilities.
‐ All singing auditions MUST be accompanied by either the audition pianist or a backing track.
There will be an accompanist and audio equipment (a stereo with a dock/USB port for an
Barnum: The Circus Musical Audition Pack 2016 (Version 10‐05‐2016) 4
Presented by The Regals Musical Society Inc. www.theregals.com.au
iPod/MP3 player) available for the singing audition. There may also be a CD player but this less
preferable ‐ Please let us know if you need this. Please bring sheet music for your song, or a
backing track on your device (no lyrics). NO unaccompanied auditions will be permitted.
‐ There will be NO microphone provided for the singing auditions.
‐ Song time will be capped at 3 minutes. The Production Team may ask you to stop earlier, so
make sure you showcase your talent in the early part of the piece. We advise you to remove
extended instrumental breaks from your backing track to ensure that your audition time is
utilised to full capacity.
‐ You may be asked to sing scales so that our Musical Director can confirm your vocal range.
‐ If you are invited to a call back audition on the 30th May, you will be notified of a specified
song from the show that you will be asked to practice and perform at your call back. These
songs will be available on the Regals website for you to practice prior to auditions.
Dancing
‐ The dancing element will be a short dance routine that we will teach in a group at the
Orientation Evening. A video of the dance routine will be uploaded to the Regals website and
Facebook page after the Orientation Evening for all auditionees to practice for the auditions.
‐ Within your 10 min audition timeslot, you will perform this short dance routine individually.
‐ You are requested to warm up prior to the dance audition, and be ready to perform the dance
routine to the best of your ability for the team. Our Choreographer, Ralphy, will be there to
help you if you are having problems.
‐ Please wear appropriate dance attire.
Acting
‐ Only those who are auditioning for a particular role will be required to do a reading of a part
of the script.
‐ Copies of the readings will be available at the Orientation Evening on the 18th May, and
provided online at the Regals website prior to the auditions,
‐ Please put as much characterisation as you can into the acting section of your audition.
‐ If you are invited to a call back audition, you will be asked to perform another reading for the
panel, possibly with the other auditionees that have been called back.
Circus Skills
‐ Our Circus Trainer, Sarah, would like all auditionees to add any circus skills they may already
have, such as acrobatics, gymnastics, stilt walking, juggling, high wire skills or magic tricks, to
their audition. She would like to see what you can do, so we can use your skills in the show.
‐ If you have any questions please contact the Director, James Russell at his details in the
Audition Bookings section below.
‐ Anyone wishing to be in the show MUST audition.
‐ We kindly request that all auditionees (regardless of lead, cameo or ensemble role) carry out
all required components of the audition process as instructed.
Barnum: The Circus Musical Audition Pack 2016 (Version 10‐05‐2016) 5
Presented by The Regals Musical Society Inc. www.theregals.com.au
AUDITION SCHEDULE
‐ Auditions on the 28th May 2016 will begin at 10:00 am and conclude at 7:00pm. The auditions
will be conducted in 10 min intervals, therefore there will be 12 audition timeslots available
within in each 2 hour session. Auditionees will be asked to present their best singing, acting,
dancing and circus skills within their scheduled 10 minutes of time. There will not be any group
dancing auditions. Bookings can be made at the Orientation Evening or by contacting the
Director, James Russell via his details in the Audition Bookings section below.
The day will be scheduled as follows;
SESSION INDIVIDUAL AUDITIONS
(48 auditions x 10 minute intervals)
ONE 10:00 am ‐ 12:00 pm (2hrs = 12 auditions)
Lunch Break 12:00 pm ‐ 12:30 pm (30 min)
TWO 12:30 pm ‐ 2:30 pm (2 hrs = 12 auditions)
THREE 2:30 pm ‐ 4:30 pm (2 hrs = 12 auditions)
Afternoon Tea Break 4:30 pm ‐ 5:00 pm (30min)
FOUR 5:00 pm ‐ 7:00 pm (2hrs = 12 auditions)
AUDITION BOOKINGS ‐ AUDITIONS ARE STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
‐ For audition bookings, please select an available timeslot via our online scheduling system at;
https://www.smoothbook.co/ap/index.php/smart/home/14840#/
‐ In addition, email to James Russell (Director) via gogogodspell@yahoo.com.au a scan of your
completed audition form (which can be found at the end of this Audition Pack), your resumé if
you have one, and any head shots. Please also bring hard copies of these to your audition.
‐ All auditions must be booked and information sent to us by 5:00 pm, Friday 27th May 2016.
We have the capacity for 48 auditions – first in best dressed. There will be no preferential
treatment.
Enquiries: James Russell (Director): gogogodspell@yahoo.com.au or 0422‐611‐449
AUDITION CALL BACKS, RESULTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
‐ If you are required for a call back the Production Team will invite you directly by phone or
email, to provide you with a call back time, and a specified song and reading to practice and
perform at your call back. So please ensure you write your contact information clearly on your
audition form, and include an email address and phone number.
‐ We will make every effort to make final casting decisions quickly within the week after the
auditions, as we appreciate that no‐one likes waiting for the casting announcement.
‐ Auditionees who have been successful in landing a lead role will be notified in person by
phone or email by Thursday 2nd June. Unsuccessful auditionees will NOT be notified in person.
‐ Final casting results will be posted before the first rehearsal on The Regals’ Facebook page
‘The Regals Musical Society’ https://www.facebook.com/TheRegalsMusicalSociety, our
website http://www.theregals.com.au/ and announced in our e‐newsletter, ‘The Regals Rag’
(which you can subscribe to on the Contact page of our website).
Barnum: The Circus Musical Audition Pack 2016 (Version 10‐05‐2016) 6
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‐ If for any reason the show is not completely cast at audition, additional members may be
admitted to the cast at a later date. All potential new cast members may be asked to audition,
and must be cleared by the Production Team before being admitted to the cast.
‐ If you are not cast in a role or the ensemble, you are very welcome to participate in the show
as a support person. On the audition form you are encouraged to nominate to assist with
Backstage, Costumes, Technical, Front of House, Publicity and/or Graphic Design.
REHEARSAL DETAILS and CAST COMMITMENTS
‐ All rehearsals (prior to the orchestral call) will be held at Coronation Hall, 23 Barden St, Arncliffe. The
orchestral call and dress rehearsals will be at the show venue, Rockdale Town Hall, 448 Princes Hwy (cnr
Bryant St), Rockdale.
‐ Rehearsals commence on Monday 6th June 2016, and continue every Monday & Wednesday night,
7:30pm to 10:30pm, until the production closes.
‐ There will be additional Sunday rehearsals on 26th June (12pm to 5pm), and 28th August (10am to 5pm)
and all Sundays in September (10am to 5pm).
‐ All cast should assume that they are required at ALL scheduled Monday, Wednesday and Sunday
rehearsals, and thus set aside these times in their diaries so that they can commit to attending all
rehearsals.
‐ Additional rehearsals may be required for those in lead roles.
‐ Variations to the rehearsal schedule, and other cast notifications, will be communicated by email &/or
a closed Facebook group. It would be advisable for you to have access to both of these forms of
communication, to enable you to keep in touch with updates and important information, as well as to
enjoy the cast and crew’s social interaction to its fullest.
‐ All cast MUST be available for all of the rehearsals including;
‐ Monday 13th June 2016 – The Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend.
‐ If you have plans to go away for an extended period or on several occasions, please do not audition, as
it is not fair on people who are available for all rehearsals.
‐ As this show is such a collective piece, full commitment from everyone in the cast is imperative. This is
a fantastic show to be a part of and the Production Team are looking to work with people who are
dedicated to this show. If you are intending on auditioning for other shows or know of any time that you
need to have off during the rehearsal period (eg. concerts, work, study, dance/singing/acting lessons,
sport, holidays etc), could you please write this on your audition form so that the Production Team are
aware. It will not necessarily impact your casting. It will however ensure the Production Team allocates
rehearsals appropriately. If you audition well and we want to include you in the show, this enables us to
work around your commitments when drawing up the rehearsal schedule.
‐ Cast are expected to be on time for all scheduled rehearsals. If a cast member becomes unable to
attend any rehearsals, or is having difficulty with attending on time, they must contact a member of the
Production Team as soon as possible. Production Team contact details will be provided at the first
rehearsal.
‐ Cast will need to be at the venue at least 1 ½ hours prior to the commencement of show performances
to complete their makeup, hair and costumes in time to go on stage.
‐ The Regals Musical Society Inc reserves the right to replace any performer who misses or is
significantly late for three rehearsals without a satisfactory explanation.
Barnum: The Circus Musical Audition Pack 2016 (Version 10‐05‐2016) 7
Presented by The Regals Musical Society Inc. www.theregals.com.au
‐ The Regals Musical Society Inc also reserves the right to replace any performer who accepts a role in
another production or becomes involved in another event or activity which negatively affects their
attendance and ability during the rehearsal schedule or show season.
‐ Since Barnum: The Musical is such a fun show, we really want to give everyone in the cast and crew
lots of opportunities to enjoy the SOCIAL side of being in a musical theatre production! Therefore we
will be arranging a Post Opening Night Party on Friday 7th October, in addition to the traditional After
Party on Saturday 15th October. There will be other social activities arranged as the rehearsal period
develops, which will be announced by email or Facebook.
‐ All members are required to adhere to The Regals' Code of Conduct (act responsibly, respectfully and
co‐cooperatively), and obey the rules as set down by our Constitution. A copy of the Regals Constitution
can be requested from the Regals' Secretary secretary@theregals.com.au
‐ It is COMPULSORY for all cast to participate in fundraising activities, such as SELLING CHOCOLATES, and
HELPING WITH THE BUNNINGS BBQ (which is actually a lot of fun and can be counted as one of our
funnest and tastiest social activities!). A roster will be drawn up for each cast member to attend the
Bunning’s BBQs for at least an hour between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm on Saturday 20th August 2016 and
possibly on other dates if additional BBQ days are subsequently arranged. They are a great money
spinner and publicity opportunity to support the show.
‐ CAST ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO ASSIST IN promoting the show, contributing to props, participating in
bump in and bump out, and other such activities and duties (where appropriate). The cast will be
notified of the details of these duties at the first rehearsal and on‐goingly throughout the rehearsal
period.
‐ You will need to provide your own stage make‐up and may be asked to provide certain items of
clothing or accessories for costumes. If you do not already own a pair, you may need to purchase chorus
shoes or similar.
‐ During one (or more) of the rehearsals, professional candid and head shot photos will be taken for the
show program and publicity. Your acceptance of a role in the cast indicates your consent to this
photography.
FEES
Membership
‐ If you are cast in the show, but you aren’t currently a member of The Regals Musical Society
Inc, you must apply for or renew your membership. Memberships cease on 31st December each
year, so if your membership has lapsed, you must renew.
‐ Membership is an annual payment of:
$30 for students (up to year 12)
$40 for adults
‐ Membership is required by the Constitution of The Regals Musical Society Inc., and is inclusive
of insurance protection in the event of an injury during rehearsals, therefore;
Membership MUST be paid by Wednesday 28th June 2016
(three weeks after the commencement of rehearsals)
‐ Due to insurance purposes, if your membership is not paid by this date you will be restricted
from participating in the rehearsal process until membership payment is received.
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Show Levy
‐ In addition to membership, each cast member is required to pay a Show Levy fee.
‐ The Show Levy is a production payment of $60.
‐ The Show Levy assists the Society with the incurred cost of production (costumes, props,
lighting, sound, set supplies etc). We kindly ask for payment by Wednesday 28th June 2016.
Payment for Membership and Show Levy fees can be made by cash to our Treasurer or by Direct
Transfer to The Regals Musical Society Inc account (preferred). Direct transfer details will be
provided to all cast members on a membership / show levy form. Payment plans can be arranged
on request if necessary. For further enquiries, contact our Treasurer Treasurer@theregals.com.au
Other Possible Costs
‐ At the Regals we have a tradition of holding a “Chicken Dinner” to feed the cast during the full
day Sunday dress rehearsal, and a “Pancake Dinner” on a night during the show period. You will
be asked to contribute a small amount to the costs of these if you wish to participate.
‐ We often create souvenirs of the show for the cast at cost price through the RedBubble
website, such as Tshirts, tote bags and phone skins. You are welcome to purchase these if you
wish, and this is purely optional. http://www.redbubble.com/people/regalsmusicals
‐ If you would like a CD of the promotional photos taken (usually at one of the final dress
rehearsals) for the show’s publicity, then this will require a small investment to cover
reproduction costs.
CAST TICKET BOOKINGS
‐ Ticket bookings for cast members will allow you to book seats for your friends and family prior
to the ticket release to the general public, and to pay for them at a later date. Our Ticket
Manager will be at rehearsals from time to time in the early days to take your bookings.
‐ A reminder will be given 2 weeks prior to the show opening regarding all outstanding pre‐
booked tickets. Pre‐booked tickets must be paid for by our Sunday dress rehearsal on 2nd
October 2016. After this date, all unpaid tickets will be returned to the Box Office for general
sale with no further reminders.
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Presented by The Regals Musical Society Inc. www.theregals.com.au
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS & AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
The cast of Barnum: The Circus Musical will all be over the age of 16.
LEAD ROLES
Character Vocal Range / Dance Gender / Age Description
Skills
Phineas Taylor Baritone, Strong Actor, Male, Adult 30yrs+ Our lead character, the real
Barnum Singer and Dancer. Ability showman. Charismatic, talks to
to do any magic tricks, audience. Part Owner of Barnum
balance on high wire etc and Bailey Circus.
would be an advantage.
Charity (“Chairy”) Mezzo Soprano, Female, 30+ Phineas Barnum's plain and loyal
Barnum Good Actor and Dancer. wife. A strong, independent,
caring woman.
Joice Heth Alto, Good Mover. Female, 40+ Oldest woman alive.
Afro American if possible
but not essential.
Tom Thumb Tenor, Strong Singer & Male, 20+ The smallest man in the world ‐ a
Dancer. Acrobatics if huge success in Barnum's show.
possible.
Jenny Lind Soprano Female, 25+ A beautiful, glamorous Swedish
Operatic Soprano.
Blues Singer Alto, Good Mover. Afro Female, 18+ Smooth Blues Singer (has one
American if possible but song in Act 2). Will also be in
not essential. Ensemble
James A. Bailey Baritone, Male, 30+ Circus Ringmaster who eventually
Good Mover becomes Barnum's Partner in the
Barnum and Bailey Circus.
SUPPORTING ROLES
Character Vocal Range / Gender / Age Description
Dance Skills
Amos Scudder Act only Male, Aged 30+ Owner of American Museum and
Barnum's first Partner + Ensemble
Julius Goldschmidt Act Only Male, 30+ Jenny Lind's Manager + Ensemble
Chester Lyman Act Only Male, 30+ Joice Heth's Manager + Ensemble
Sherwood Stratton Act Only Male, 40+ Tom Thumb's Father + Ensemble
Mrs Stratton Act Only Female, 40+ Tom Thumb's Mother +Ensemble
Wilton Act Only Male, 20+ Barnum's Assistant + Ensemble
Edgar Templeton Act Only Male, 20 + Political Party Boss
Humbert Morrissey Act Only Male, 20 + Political Party Boss
Ensemble:
There are numerous minor roles that will be chosen from the ensemble once auditions have been
completed. These include; Tumblers, Jugglers, Clowns, Aerialists, Acrobats, Gymnasts, Bricklayers,
Passersby, Museum Patrons, Strong Men, Beefeaters, The “Mob” in General, The Bridgeport Pageant
Choir, and Bands of Every Size, Shape and Description.